I like these short-format events for testing build ideas or trying out certain builds/skills I don't want to devote a full league to. With the massive number of uniques that were dropping, Atlas Invasion was the perfect opportunity to try out an idea that I have had for a while, and it exceeded my expectations. I felt it was worth sharing both because I think it has some potential, I think it's interesting, it may inspire others to explore the possibilities with this sword, and I know a lot of folks like to complain about the lack of build variety. Keep in mind that this build is not min/maxed by any stretch, as I designed it with the limited format in mind (i.e., no influenced stuff, no end-game boss-specific drops, etc.).

PoB of my character (PoB community fork required): https://pastebin.com/vmQGDRgS

Two things to note: On the configuration tab, I've entered "75% more Ignite Damage" as a global mod, because PoB does not compute the line on the sword. Also, I've ticked "Standard Boss" as the enemy.

EDIT: Apparently, my character is the only Elementalist using Lightning Strike on the SC Atlas Invasion ladder.

With that introduction out of the way, this build is an Elementalist using the Story of the Vaal unique sword from the Temple of Atzoatl (note that this is NOT the upgraded version of the sword) along with the Shaper of Flames ascendency. Originally, I had intended to use Spectral Helix, but by the end of things, I found I preferred Lightning Strike. Any sword skill can be used, but keep in mind that you want an attack skill with high damage effectiveness, and Spectral Helix and Lightning Strike are among the highest available.

The inspiration for this build all comes from a single line on the Story of the Vaal: "Ignites inflicted with this Weapon deal (50-75)% more Damage". The best part about that is that it means we have a lot of damage right out of the gate that smooths out the leveling and gearing phases. I equipped the sword (and a Dyadian Dawn belt) once I hit level 56, and had no issues up to where i stopped (level 80). I didn't even notice a damage loss when I switched from a Tabula to a 5-link Loreweave.

I think this build idea has a lot of options, both in the skills and supports, the tree, and even in character class (though this would probably limit options due to needing a bunch of non-fire-damage ignite-enabling uniques). The route I took was to go ham on auras and buffs along with Mantra of Flames jewel to add a decent amount of base fire damage (I think I had 10-12 buffs up most of the time).

If you have any questions about the choices I made, please don't hesitate to ask. I think there's a lot that I could cover, but I don't know what might need covering, so let me know if anything's unclear.

tl;dr:

Class: Elementalist with Shaper of Flames ascendency

Skill: Either Spectral Helix, Lightning Strike, or any high damage effectiveness sword attack skill

Required uniques: Story of the Vaal

Not required, but strongly suggested things: Dyadian Dawn and some source of ignite spread (either Berek's Respite, Abberath's Hooves, Ignite Proliferation support, or Fan the Flames cluster jewel notable)